Campus Network Security
By Dr. Carolyn Lightfoot, Director/CIO
With the proliferation of computers around the world then coupled that with
virus’s spreading from sharing floppy disks in the early 1980’s
on network computers, hackers have been trying ever since to bring down computer
systems. Whether it was meant as a joke, game or just nuisance,
mischievous folks have been finding ways to hack computer systems and most
times we are unaware of malicious code on our computer. The rush
to be “webvergence” (which is the converging of voice, data and
video on the web) has introduced many different avenues for spyware and keyloggers
to attack computer systems leaving them wide open to identify theft and internet
predators. Every day the local news station top stories are about the
latest computer security threats from virtually unknowns due to the anonymous
nature of the internet. Cyber crime is on the increase targeting
unsuspecting people via phishing scams, spyware, identify theft and internet
predators. We have seen attempts by hackers to compromise computer systems
information as a direct result of focused attacks.
Lee College is constantly working to improve computer security using “best
practices” including user awareness of security issues, promoting the
use of security tools and providing workshops and conferences to our students
and community. The unfortunate reality today is that cyber crime on the
rise and is here to stay. Cybersecurity takes all of us working
together to counter cyber attacks by keeping abreast of vulnerabilities and
being aware of your surroundings, internet activity, suspicious email attachments
and offers just too good to be true! You never know who or what’s lurking
between the bits and bytes!
Lee College Network
The Lee College (LEEnet) network is comprised of a gigabit backbone network
with campus buildings connected via single mode and multimode fiber to the
network operations centers (NOC). The NOC provides Ethernet connectivity between
buildings and its associated switching site. The campus LAN connects routers
and PIX firewalls to the Internet. We support Ethernet and AppleTalk
high-speed data networking to the desktop. Information Technology routinely
scans the campus network for computers with known vulnerabilities. This scanning
is done as unobtrusively as possible. Lee College utilizes Intrusion
Detection, Firewalls, ISA, WUS, Filtering, Packet Shaping, DMZ and Radius ACS
and numerous other security measures to help detect and respond to information
security incidents involving computers connected to the campus network. The
Information Technology office has responsibility for centralized computing,
telephony, network infrastructure including over 2,500 network connections
and enterprise database management systems in the areas of finance, human resources
and student administration.
Security News & Alerts
Information Technology Security Policy,
Copyright and FERPA
Related Links
Cyber Safety Tips
- Make sure you regularly update your anti-virus software.
- Access Microsoft Windows current updates and patches.
- Use strong passwords (letters, numbers and symbols). Try Password
Checker to see if your password passes the test.
- Do not share passwords.
- Disable remote access.
- Encrypt your sensitive files.
- Protect your identity! NEVER give out personal information
to a stranger.
FREE Security Software Desktop Tools
E-mail Hoaxes
Notification
If you suspect a security issue regarding Lee College computers, networking
resources or wireless laptops, contact the Information Technology office Helpdesk
at 281-425-6874 or 281-425-6451 immediately. If
you prefer - email Thomas Sandoval, Network Manager at tsandoval@lee.edu or
Dr. Carolyn Lightfoot at clightfoot@lee.edu. |
